Tag: membership committee

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AABANY Hosts 2022 Annual Meeting of Members

On Tuesday, February 8, 2022, AABANY held its Annual Meeting of Members for the second time on Remo. President Terrence Shen called the meeting to order and established quorum. The main order of business was conducting the election for the 2022 Board of Directors and Officers.

President Terrence Shen presented the Annual Report of the Board and thanked the Board members for their service during the past year. Treasurer William Hao and Membership Director Beatrice Leong presented the reports for their respective offices. 

Executive Director Yang Chen presented highlights from the Committee Reports. Following the reports, awards were presented to honor AABANY leaders and committees for their dedication to AABANY over the past year. While these presentations were occurring, Immediate Past President Sapna Palla and President-Elect William Ng tallied the votes.

The following awards were presented:

Committee of the Year: The Membership Committee

The Membership Committee received the Committee of the Year Award for its outstanding contributions in promoting AABANY’s membership engagement and in recruiting new members. The Committee successfully transitioned from virtual mixers to in-person events. The most popular events include a visit to Little Island (New York’s newest public park attraction), live stand-up comedy as part of the Asian American International Film Festival, and a screening of “Shang Chi – Legend of the Ten Rings” in a private theater in Times Square. 

Program of the Year: Turning the Tide (T3) Project

The Program of the Year Award was given to the Turning the Tide (T3) Project, a joint project of AABANY and AALFNY, for providing a holistic and practicable action plan to address anti-Asian hate and violence. AABANY established an Anti-Asian Violence Task Force, composed of leadership from several AABANY committees, to leverage diverse skills and talents towards turning back the rising tide of hate and violence against AAPIs. 

Member of the Year: May Wong

The Member of the Year Award was presented to May Wong, for her prodigious contributions, not just but especially, this past year to further the mission of AABANY through the Pro-Bono and Community Service Committee as well as her collaboration with other AABANY Committees. At a time when committees were unable to plan regular events due to the COVID surge, May was forging ahead to come up with new ways for the PBCS Committee to successfully continue to serve and assist the AAPI community with their legal needs. As Vice-Chair of the Committee, she initiated many projects, liaised with law students and firms, led planning meetings, and often was the first to show up and the last to leave. 

Congratulations to all the honorees for the recognition of their achievements and hard work during the 2022 fiscal year.

After the presentation of awards, Terry announced the election results. The following officers were elected and will begin their term one-year terms on April 1, 2022:

Karen Kim

President-Elect

Joseph Eng

Vice President, Programs and Operations

Beatrice Leong

Vice President, Programs and Operations

Evelyn Gong

Treasurer

Shirley Bi

Secretary

Christopher Bae

Membership Director

Anna Mercado Clark

Development Director

The following candidates were elected as Directors to serve two-year terms starting on April 1, 2022:

Grace Fu

William Hao

Gigio Ninan

Won Shin

Kazuko Wachter

Lawrence Wee

After the election results were announced, all the attendees were invited to stay and network in Remo. We thank everyone who came and participated in the Annual Meeting and the election. Congratulations to all the Officers and Directors who were elected to the Board to serve in the 2023 fiscal year that begins on April 1, 2022.

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AABANY Goes to Broadway: “To Kill a Mockingbird”

On December 1, AABANY members got together for a theater outing to see “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Shubert Theater on Broadway. The event was organized by the Membership Committee and co-sponsored by the following Committees: Asia Practice, Immigration, and Real Estate. Nearly 30 members attended.

We had initially planned to have a mixer inside the theater once we got our tickets, but theater management wanted all ticket holders to line up outside the entrance to get checked for vaccine status first. Once we were all checked in, we found our seats in the packed theater and by then it was nearly curtain time so there was not much time left for a pre-show mixer.

We took up three rows of the orchestra section, in the rear right part of the theater, and had a good view of the stage. This theatrical version of the acclaimed novel by Harper Lee was written by Aaron Sorkin, no stranger to plays about trials and legal proceedings. You may have caught “The Trial of the Chicago 7” on Netflix, from 2020, which he wrote and directed. Or you may have seen “A Few Good Men” (1992), based on his play, which seems to be a staple on cable tv movie channels these days.

Many people are familiar with the classic novel or the acclaimed film version made of it in 1962, starring Gregory Peck, for which he received the best actor Oscar in 1963. The play is different from both. The basic story is the same: the young children of Atticus Finch, a lawyer in Alabama in the 1930s, recounts his defense of Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused of rape. However, Sorkin adds details and characters that bring a more 21st century perspective, informed by our contemporary struggles with race, with nods to the Black Lives Matter movement.

After the show, a group of us gathered at Junior’s in Shubert Alley, diagonally across from the theater, for some food and their world-famous cheesecake. Most expressed that they loved or liked the play. As a group of lawyers we could not help but point out the aspects about the trial that were not quite accurate or sensationalized. Those of us who were familiar with the book or the movie talked about the parts that were changed. No one had read the book or seen the movie in some time and mostly we wondered about various details that departed from the novel or the film. It made us think that we should go back and read the book.

Thanks to all the members who made it out for “To Kill a Mockingbird.” It was a treat to be able to catch Jeff Daniels playing Atticus Finch live on Broadway, along with a talented cast of excellent actors. Thanks to the Membership Committee for organizing yet another fun and memorable event. We hope to see everyone at the Membership Committee’s next event, the Holiday Party on Dec. 17. Sign up for it now at https://www.aabany.org/events/event_details.asp?legacy=1&id=1578998.

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AABANY Goes to the Opera: “Turandot” at the Met

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On Tuesday, November 16, AABANY went to the Met Opera at Lincoln Center, an elegant night out co-sponsored by the Membership and Young Lawyers Committees.  “Turandot” proved to be a spectacular feast for the eyes, dappled with humor, tragedy, and an age-old story of unrequited love, sacrifice, and pursuit.  

More than 45 members and guests enjoyed some lighthearted networking on the Family Circle level before the start of the show, and photos were taken against the famous chandeliers of the Opera House.  The experience was enhanced with each person having their own personal subtitles, dimly lit on the backs of the seats in front of them.  Some played with various language settings, to see if in fact, they retained their Italian lessons from high school.  

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The sets were stunning and the score by Puccini was exquisite.  Not a soul wasn’t moved during Act III when the famous “Nessun Dorma” tenor aria vibrated throughout the theater. 

Thanks to everyone who came, and thanks especially to Membership Director Beatrice Leong for organizing the event.  Fun fact: Daphne Chen Matthews, Membership Committee Co-Chair, met both the left and right stage managers on her way home, who confirmed that Turandot “is a perfect introduction to Opera.”  We hope to host more opera nights in the future.

To learn more about the Membership Committee go to http://www.aabany.org/?page=130. To learn more about the Young Lawyers Committee go to http://www.aabany.org/?page=123.

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Membership Committee Hosts Improv Class on Sept. 16

On September 16, 2021, Membership Committee hosted an Improv Class at the Magnet Theater on West 29th Street. Members took an Introduction Class led by a seasoned comedian and were able to learn and practice basic Improv Skills. Members starred and acted in hilarious scenes, learning to think on their feet and tapping into their inner performers. Afterwards, the group enjoyed camaraderie over delicious food in Korea Town. 

We hope you will all come out for the Membership Committee Happy Hour on Oct. 14 at Sagaponack on W. 22nd Street. Come for the oysters, stay for the networking! More details at https://www.aabany.org/events/event_details.asp?legacy=1&id=1558819.

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AABANY at the Movies: Membership Committee Hosts Viewing of “Shang-Chi” at AMC Times Square in a Private Theater on Opening Weekend

On Friday, September 3, 2021, the Membership Committee hosted a private screening of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” for AABANY members and friends at AMC Times Square. Nearly 90 attendees came out to see the premiere of the latest Marvel movie, which featured the first Asian lead character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Actor Simu Liu starred in the leading role as the superhero Shang-Chi alongside Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Michelle Yeoh and others. The Membership Committee is thrilled to have been part of a historic weekend in which “Shang-Chi” debuted to record-breaking box office numbers for Labor Day Weekend with the movie grossing an estimated $83.5 million domestic total in its four-day opening. Make sure to go out and watch the movie if you haven’t done so already. Highly recommended!

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Membership Mixer at Sour Mouse on August 25

On Wednesday, August 25, 2021, the Membership Committee hosted a Mixer at Sour Mouse, a fun venue in the Lower East Side that first opened up a year ago. It is an inviting space for people to gather to eat, drink, and play. AABANY members and friends who joined us were able to mingle and meet over a few games of pool, drinks, and pizza, surrounded by works of art from local artists and a live comedy show in the performance space on the far side of the room. All this was available without a cover, and the Membership Committee paid for a pool table and pizza. The bar offered plenty of drink choices. Guests also could opt to play ping pong or foosball if billiards were not their thing.

Sour Mouse is Asian owned and operated. They have daily events, foosball, pool, ping pong and a full bar. Please show your support! For more information, visit https://www.sourmousenyc.com/. The Membership Committee will be planning future outings at Sour Mouse, so stay tuned!

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Membership Mixer at Yankee Stadium on August 6, 2021

On August 6, 2021, the Membership and Bankruptcy Committees co-hosted an in-person membership mixer at Yankee Stadium where the New York Yankees played the Seattle Mariners. 25 members had a blast as they eagerly watched all the on-field action from behind the outfield. Catch this: they also received a free bobblehead of one of the Yankee players (Gerrit Cole). It was a no-doubter that old friends and new had a great time attending America’s pastime in a night filled with conversation, cold drinks, and memories. Kudos to the Bankruptcy Committee once again for making this exciting night a win!

Next in our star-studded Membership Committee events lineup include a cruise around the Hudson River, billiards and arcade night, dinner mixers, and an in-person Talent Show, with details to follow. Stay tuned and don’t strike out on them! If you’re not a member yet, sign up to be a part of the team. You will join a league of talented current and future AAPI legal professionals and get the latest on what AABANY has to offer! To learn more about the Membership Committee, go to https://www.aabany.org/page/130.

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AABANY Hosts the First In-Person Membership Mixer Post-Shutdown on July 22

On July 22, 2021, the Membership Committee held a mixer at City Winery, Rockefeller Center. 30 attendees gathered for a casual meet and greet. In attendance to greet new and long-time members were President Terry Shen and Director David Sohn. Many of the attendees were students who were summer associates and interns from around the country, in New York City for the summer. Please keep an eye out for future Membership Committee events on the AABANY calendar. Save the date for Yankees Games, a Membership Cruise on the Hudson, and Arcades and Billiards Night. To learn more about the Membership Committee, click here. Not a member? Join here.

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AABANY Hosts Weekly Membership Mixer on June 4th

On June 4, 2021, the Membership Committee hosted their weekly virtual Membership Mixer, with 13 participants in attendance.

The mixer covered various topics on the minds of the attendees: recent movies they watched, cats, transitioning to in-person events, New York, and Asian hate crimes.

Participants also expressed their excitement about the transition to in-person events and meeting new AABANY members.

We are winding down our weekly mixers, and our last online mixer will be June 25, 2021. Please be sure to help us say goodbye to online events and soon to re-open in person!

Mixers start at 6:30pm on Friday and the main event ends at 7:30pm but many often stay on after 7:30pm for smaller breakout groups.

Join us for this week’s mixer on June 11, 2021 by registering at https://www.aabany.org/events/event_details.asp?legacy=1&id=1420367 by Thursday, June 10. In addition, please join us on June 25, 2021 for AALFNY’s 2021 Public Interest Scholarship Summer Reception and our final online mixer. Register by Thursday, June 24, at https://www.aabany.org/events/event_details.asp?legacy=1&id=1420369.

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AABANY Hosts Weekly Membership Mixer Featuring Founders of AABANY on March 26

On March 26, 2021, the Membership Committee hosted their weekly virtual Membership Mixer, with 47 participants in attendance. This special mixer featured some founders of AABANY: Hon. Marilyn Go, Hon. Doris Ling-Cohan, Sylvia Chin, and Rocky Chin.

The Founders told stories of how they met each other, what was happening at the time of the creation of the association and what they want to see for the future of AABANY. 

The Membership Committee previously hosted Monthly Mixers at bars, ballparks, stadiums, operas, etc, but due to COVID, we have moved online to offer members a weekly outlet to share their feelings, see old friends, and make new connections. Mixers start at 6:30pm on Friday and the main event ends at 7:30pm but many often stay on after 7:30pm for smaller breakout groups.

Membership Committee will continue to host weekly virtual mixers until it is safe to gather together again in person. 

Please join us this week on April 2, 2021 in the Remo Room. Register by Thursday, April 1, at https://www.aabany.org/events/event_details.asp?legacy=1&id=1420357.

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